Deafblind man to do Eyemouth triathlon

Michael preparing for the Eyemouth Triathlon with his training partner.

Published:09:00Saturday 29 August 2015

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A triathlon would be a challenge for most of us but 74-year-old Michael Anderson, who is deafblind, plans to compete in the Eyemouth event next month.

The former Berwickshire resident is returning to his roots to take part in the 750m swim, 19.4km cycle and 5km run in Eyemouth on Sunday, September 20, to raise money for Deafblind Scotland.

Michael has Usher syndrome, a genetic condition which causes hearing loss from birth, and Retinitis Pigmentosa later affected his vision.

He said: “I have been a member and director of Deafblind Scotland for many years and their support, advice and help has been unparalleled when it comes to giving me access to information, social events and generally just getting out and about. Dual sensory impairment is the loneliest disability imaginable and depression is a common occurrence in the community.

“To give something back and help make Field of Dreams, a new learning and development centre for deafblind people, become a reality I am tackling a series of challenges in the coming year.”

The first deafblind climber to reach the summit of Ben Nevis, which he did on his 70th birthday, Michael has set himself a target of raising £15,000 by doing a triathlon, walking the 215 mile St Columba’s Way, a 50 mile cycle ride and perhaps another running race or triathlon.